Arsenal and Liverpool rue missed chances in goalless draw
MILAN: Liverpool misfit Mario Balotelli said he is ready to resurrect his career as he rejoined AC Milan on a season-long loan deal that has divided fans and pundits in Italy.
Balotelli joined Liverpool from Milan in the summer of 2014 but after a dismal season at Anfield the controversial Italian striker has rejoined the seven-time European champions on a season-long loan deal.
Milan have made the deal official on their website.
Balotelli, who began his career with city rivals Inter Milan before moving to Manchester City in 2010, was feted by the vast majority of Milan fans when he joined the Rossoneri in January 2013.
But the striker’s second spell at Milan is not being met with the same fervour — among fans, or in the media.
Recent polls have shown an overwhelming majority of fans to be against Balotelli’s return to the club. On Monday night a survey on the popular ‘Processo del Lunedi’ football show on Rai television indicated that close to 62% of fans were against Balotelli’s return.
Former Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban, a respected pundit on Sky Sport who is often brutally honest in his opinions on football matters, called the club’s decision to take the player on loan “totally absurd”.
Milan, along with city rivals Inter, failed to qualify for Europe this season and both clubs face a make-or-break season after several years of underachievement.
Sinisa Mihajlovic has taken over the reins at Milan following the sacking of coach Filippo Inzaghi and it is hoped that he will whip the Rossoneri into shape this season.
Milan began the Serie A campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Fiorentina on Sunday when Rodrigo Ely was sent off in the first half and fellow central defender Alessio Romagnoli gave away a penalty to La Viola in the second half.
Milan’s opening game of the season is against Empoli on Saturday.